THE SPARTANS charts the rise and fall of one of the most intriguing an d extreme civilizations of the ancient world. Classical historian Bett any Hughes reveals this secretive, surprising society of battle-harden ed warriors, weak babies left exposed on hillsides to die and powerful , liberated women. The story unfolds against the spectacular mountain scenery of Sparta in the Peloponnese and the stunning landscape and ar chaeology of classical Greece. Unlike its more famous rival, Athens, S parta can't boast of philosophers, playwrights or politicians. It's fa mous for its frugality and its fighters -- reputed to be the best in t he whole of ancient Greece.